Look into the future of Hyper Horology with the Roger Dubuis Monovortex Split-Seconds Chronograph
D.C. Hannay- Roger Dubuis pushes the envelope of haute horology for Watches & Wonders, with the introduction of the Monovortex Split-Seconds Chronograph
- It features a 360 degree tourbillon designed to eliminate the effects of gravity, and sports a rattrapante chronograph
- The case material is 60% lighter than ceramic, and 13% lighter than carbon
When supercars weren’t enough, hypercars were the next logical step. And when haute horology doesn’t suffice as a descriptor, Roger Dubuis introduces Hyper Horology. Their new Monovortex Split-Seconds Chronograph represents the bleeding technological edge of high-tech in fine watchmaking, executed to their typically insane standards of build quality. If a Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 were shrunken down to fit on the wrist, this would be it. There’s a lot to unpack, but here’s a quick overview of the high points of the new Roger Dubuis Monovortex Split-Seconds Chronograph.
Roger Dubuis has never been one to shy away from innovative design and unusual materials. The vibrant red case (a signature colour for Dubuis) is rendered in their proprietary Mineral Composite Fibre, which is silica-based and ultra-lightweight. In fact, it’s 60% lighter than ceramic, and even weighs 13% less than the poster boy for lightweight watch cases, carbon fibre.
Good thing too, given that its stated diameter measures 47mm, with wild case angles that recall the swooping avant garde architecture of a futuristic bridge, including the unusual triple lugs. The case’s construction also includes titanium, carbon, and pink gold, perfectly complementing the dominant red colour scheme. The whole visual riot is anchored by a comfortable rubber and perforated leather strap in matching black and red.
So aesthetics are one thing, but what about functionality? First off, the Monovortex Split-Seconds Chronograph features a 360 degree tourbillon at 9 o’clock, designed to regulate the movement more consistently, regardless of position. The tourbillon was created by Breguet as a solution to counteract gravity’s effects on timekeeping, but with the advancement of technology, there are more practical solutions to the regulation of a timepiece. Still, the tourbillon, especially one that can rotate 360 degrees, is a pretty big watchmaking flex, and their hypnotic dance is why they remain so popular among well-heeled watch fans. And the Monovortex is chock-full of watchmaking flexes.
You’ll also find an unusual cylindrical oscillating weight at 12, dubbed the Turborotor, that utilises gravity’s effects to wind the movement more efficiently. At three is the rotating minute counter, which displays elapsed time in an innovative way, albeit one that will take some getting used to, given that the first and second number places are separate. The unique sapphire linear power reserve display sits at 6, directly over the mainspring barrel, balancing out the visual fireworks at 3, 9, and 12. It’s a busy dial for sure, but isn’t that the point?
The in-house movement itself is dubbed the RD114 Caliber, which you can see through the display sapphire caseback, but due to the skeletonised dial architecture, the bulk of the show is up front. It’s a double column wheel split-seconds chronograph, allowing the wearer to time two events simultaneously, another big watchmaking flex in a timepiece overflowing with them. And as you’d expect, the brutally precise finishing is superb everywhere you look.
Roger Dubuis Monovortex Split-Seconds Chronograph pricing and availability:
The Roger Dubuis Monovortex Split-Seconds Chronograph’s availability is TBA, pricing has not yet been released.
| Brand | Roger Dubuis |
| Model | Monovortex Split-Seconds Chronograph |
| Case Dimensions | 47mm (D) |
| Case Material | Mineral Composite Fibre |
| Water Resistance | Not specified |
| Dial | Skeletonised |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Bracelet/Strap | Black/red rubber and perforated leather |
| Movement | RD114 Caliber |
| Power Reserve | Not specified |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, rattrapante chronograph |
| Availability | TBA |
| Price | TBA |